“A player who last year impressed, his level of form was incredible. To make a move to even a bigger club, the way he has arrived, is something outstanding. He is the big difference at this moment between the Manchester clubs.”

Indeed, AVB believes Tottenham will spurn a man-marking job and insists ALL of his players will have to be on alert to cope with the flying Dutchman.

He went on: “You can’t man-to-man mark this time in football, it is difficult against a team with such mobility like United. So I think it is a group job.”

Following Chelsea’s shock home draw with Southampton in midweek, AVB believes Tottenham have a real chance of reeling in the west Londoners and snatching third place.

He said: “Two points from third place is nothing in the Premier League, as you know. Both teams face very, very hard games this week. Chelsea-Arsenal, us against Manchester United.

“So I think it’s still very... it can shift very, very quickly. I told you last week our idea was to bring Man City into the frame but we couldn’t get the three points at QPR, while City could get them against Arsenal.

“So now we have to concentrate on what’s around us, and what’s realistic now and that’s to get closer to Chelsea.”